Spring has arrived! For some, it's their favorite season. For many, it's undoubtedly the most beautiful time of the year to stay in Zagreb. The greenery is waking up, the famous magnolias are blooming on King Tomislav Square, and Zagrebians are increasingly spending time in nature and drinking coffee in the warm Zagrebian sun.

Image credit: Mali Zagreb

Spring is a symbol of positivity and new beginnings, and I think that all of us, after the past year, could use a fresh start and a more cheerful everyday life. This was the central point for two art projects whose goal is to refresh Zagreb, bring a dose of color and art, to beautify the streets of Zagreb, arouse people's curiosity, and bring a smile to their faces.

Stop, look down, and find the hidden exhibition of miniatures

On the first day of spring, March 21, this unique project called Little Zagreb began. It is a series of miniature installations that are placed where you least expect them. They look reminiscent of the facades of Zagreb's residential buildings, or the windows of former shops and crafts that were a trademark of the city. These tiny compositions are set in 11 different attractive locations in the very center of the city, but in unusual places that you would not expect as positions for an art exhibition. Those are the curbs and sidewalks, fences, walls, and buildings in public areas.

Image credit: Mali Zagreb

The whole point of these miniature art installations is that, to enjoy them, you have to stop, look down and look for them. The author of the project, artist and director Filip Filković Philatz, created this exciting story about a small town. A team of young and creative people helped him realize it by decorating Zagreb with interesting and unique art installations.

Miniature artworks waiting to be discovered

"The idea for the artworks was to reflect the living space of our big world in miniature proportions, as well as to emphasize the importance of paying attention to the little things in life and the details that enrich it," stated author Filip Filković Philatz.

The Zagreb Tourist Board also took part in the realization, whose director, Martina Bienenfeld, stated on this occasion: "We saw the signs of this irresistible art project at the end of 2020, when a series of photo manipulations of miniatures depicting Zagreb homes, shops and houses, were published on social media. We connected with the young creative team behind the project, because we wanted to breathe life into these virtual miniatures, so, symbolically, with the first day of spring, these charming but complex installations will come to life in reality. With its discreet appearance, Little Zagreb always creates a desirable moment of surprise for everyone who sees it, and as a non-invasive and ambient outdoor project that does not encourage large gatherings, it is a real example of positioning Zagreb; as a responsible and safe destination."

Image credit: Mali Zagreb

We can all agree that the Little Zagreb exhibition complements the cultural offer of the city, encourages us to think about the city and its history, and enables us to stop and be present in the moment- to take at least a short break during a busy day. This exhibition brings the symbolism of home, a place that should represent and symbolize feelings of security and belonging, emotions that we need for a quality and fulfilled life.

The series of miniature installations Little Zagreb can be visited from March 21 to September 5, 2021. Make walks around the city more attractive by exploring Little Zagreb's locations. To make sure you visit all the locations, a unique map has been created that covers them all and can be downloaded from the Visitor Center's online on the project website.

Street art in the city

Another unique street exhibition that will make your walks more interesting is Street Triptych, an interesting "on the go" exhibition. This is a unique program that lasts throughout 2021, and the goal is to enrich Zagreb's streets with authentic small street artwork. The idea is that the street panels are a living painting canvas, and the street is an art studio. Artists have the opportunity to exhibit their artwork through a unique form of "exhibition in change."

Image credit: Lice grada

The Street Triptych setting changes in cycles, every three months three new works of art with by various Croatian artists, appear on the panels. To make the panel interesting and different each time, one of the three locations changes each time.

"With the idea of diverting our thoughts from the uncertain reality, earthquakes and all their visible consequences, and with the desire to refresh the city center with a brush and spray, we hope that the new exhibition concept will beautify the view of Zagreb's streets and brighten the lives of Zagrebians."

Image credit: Lice grada

Positive messages all through the city

Since the project is organized by the Rearrange My Pump Association's artistic collective, which is behind the summer event Art Park and the Zagreb Tourist Board, the director of the Tourist Board, Martina Bienenfeld, also gave a statement.

Image credit: Lice grada

"Through our new Street Triptych project, we want to show that a brush and spray can do not always mean vandalism, but that they can create true visual art in public spaces. We have connected with the most important representatives of the domestic street art scene, and every three months, new artists will leave their original mark by expressing themselves through different styles and forms. Thus, through the Street Triptych, in certain locations in our city, our Visitor Center is always the central location. We will create a year-round attraction and convey positive messages by arranging the urban environment in a modern way."

Image credit: Lice grada

To keep up to date with the panels of this exciting project, you can follow its accounts on social media, Facebook, and Instagram, so that you don't miss the unique works of art and their creation process. If you find yourself in the right place at the right time, you may also meet a street art artist. :) 

Header image credit: Mali Zagreb

Author: Ivona Kezić